The co-ordination number of Co in `[Co(C_(2)O_(4))_(2)Cl_(2)]` is

Options

A. 4
B. 6
C. 8
D. 12

Answer

To determine the coordination number of cobalt in the complex `[Co(C₂O₄)₂Cl₂]`, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the ligands in the complex
In the given complex, we have two types of ligands:
- Oxalate ion (C₂O₄²⁻), which is a bidentate ligand.
- Chloride ion (Cl⁻), which is a monodentate ligand.

### Step 2: Determine the contribution of each ligand to the coordination number
- **Bidentate ligands**: Each oxalate ion can bind to the cobalt ion at two sites. Since there are two oxalate ions, they contribute:
\[ 2 \text{ (from one oxalate)} \times 2 \text{ (number of oxalates)} = 4 \]

- **Monodentate ligands**: Each chloride ion binds at one site. Since there are two chloride ions, they contribute:
\[ 1 \text{ (from one chloride)} \times 2 \text{ (number of chlorides)} = 2 \]

### Step 3: Calculate the total coordination number
Now, we add the contributions from both types of ligands:
\[ \text{Total Coordination Number} = 4 \text{ (from oxalates)} + 2 \text{ (from chlorides)} = 6 \]

### Conclusion
Thus, the coordination number of cobalt in the complex `[Co(C₂O₄)₂Cl₂]` is **6**.

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